Arunachal women racial abuse case: Delhi CM condemns Malviya Nagar incident, says safety non-negotiable

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on February 25 strongly condemned the recent incident in Malviya Nagar, asserting that Delhi belongs to everyone and that the dignity, safety, and respect of all citizens—especially women from the Northeast—are non-negotiable.

Sharing a video statement on X, Gupta said, “Delhi belongs to everyone. The dignity, respect, and safety of every citizen here are paramount. I will personally meet them. The police are taking legal action with full responsibility, and we will ensure the strictest possible action against the guilty. Harassing, discriminating against, or insulting any daughter will not be tolerated at any cost.”

She further emphasised, “We are all one, and the safety of every daughter is our highest responsibility.”

Her statement comes in the backdrop of an incident in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, where three women from Arunachal Pradesh alleged that a neighbour couple hurled racial slurs and verbally abused them during a dispute over minor AC repair work. Following the complaint, police registered an FIR under relevant legal provisions and initiated action in the matter.

Rekha Gupta also met a group of young students from the North-East who were affected by the recent distressing incident in the national capital, assuring them of full support and strict action against those responsible.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Chief Minister described the students as resilient, courageous and full of promise, and said her government stands firmly with them during this difficult time.

She made it clear that Delhi is a city built on diversity, respect and mutual dignity, and asserted that the strictest action will be taken against the miscreants involved in the incident. “There is absolutely no place for hatred, discrimination, intimidation or racial abuse in Delhi. Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” she said.

The Chief Minister also urged people not to politicise the sensitive matter, emphasising that the dignity, safety and future of young students must remain paramount.

Appealing for restraint, she requested all concerned to respect the privacy of the affected students and their families, stating that they must be given the space, support and assurance they need at this time.

The Delhi Police confirmed on February 25 that Ruby Jain and her husband, Harsh have been arrested in connection with the alleged incident involving three women tenants from the North-East residing in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi. The case, which triggered widespread concern, is now being investigated by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and is under the close supervision of senior officials.

According to police, the First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Malviya Nagar Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation), Section 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, etc.), and Section 3(5) (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

During the course of the investigation, the police also invoked relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on material available on record, further underlining the seriousness of the allegations.